Deployment Support

Units that are deployable or are currently deployed can impact a sailor and their family.  FFSC offers several classes a year to help prepare for the eventuality of Deployment.  We also have a few items to help you get prepared.

The Navy Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) offers a variety of services to you and your family. Pre, Mid and Post deployment briefs are provided several times a year, in either individual, group or family sessions. Counselors are also available for both adults and children to assist during these time as well.

A few additional things to consider prior to leaving for Deployment:

• Auto storage/registration
• Identification cards, credit cards, driver's license, and vehicle registration expiration dates
• School registration
• How to contact the Command Ombudsman (all units should have one)
• Receipt and/or storage of Household Goods (HHG) - NOTE: if the service member is not available to receive shipment of HHG, the spouse may need to do so and will probably need a POA
• A Family Care Plan to ensure legal, financial, guardianship and medical care will be provided in emergency situations

Individual Augmentation (IA)

IA deployments are different from the traditional Navy deployment and may take more preparation.  In addition to everything above, you may have additional concerns.  FFSC is here to help.  We have a Fleet and Family Deployment/Mobilization Coordinator.  They can assist you with the Deployment process, answer questions, and be there before, during, and after the deployment to assist you and your family or designated point of contact.  If you have an upcoming IA deployment, please contact FFSC Everett and ask for our IA coordinator.

If you are in the Pre-Deployment, Mid-Deployment, or Post-Deployment stage, FFSC has classes or individual consolations that can help.  We also offer classes to prepare spouses for all stages of the deployment cycle some of the recommended classes include:

• Care Package 101. What can and cannot be sent in a care package depending on the countries it will travel through before reaching the command.
• Loving Long Distance. Ways to keep intimacy even at a distance as well as advise on issues that could arise with Military communications.

We also keep a list of command Family Readiness Group and Ombudsman contacts to help your loved ones stay connected throughout the entire Deployment cycle.

Financial

Before you leave, you should arrange adequate financial support for your dependents. Arrangements can be made via your bank and/or disbursing office. Contact your local disbursing office if you have questions about this.  For emergency financial situations, contact your local Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) for assistance. While traveling, you should contact the nearest American Red Cross (ARC) for emergency funds.  Families can only get NMCRS support with a specific Power of Attorney, or a Pre-Authorization letter. This should be attained prior to deployment at NLSO. In addition to ensuring that you have someone who can help you with finances should there be an issue, it is important to let your insurance know that you will be deployed.  Many cell phone carriers also offer the ability to suspend cell service during a deployment.  Both of these options can save you money.  Find out more about how to save money during your Deployment at the FFSC Pre-Deployment Class.

Legal

Getting the right Power of Attorney for your situation can be a vital step prior to deployment.  This can help ensure that your finances and items are taken care of even if you yourself cannot be there to do it.  It is recommended that a specific Power of Attorney be used to narrow the scope to only what you need.  A Power of Attorney can be acquired at local Navy Legal Services Office (NLSO) for free.  Please ensure that you make an appointment at least two weeks prior to deployment.  Another item that a you may want to consider is a will.  Please note that a will does not replace any Navy paperwork and is superseded by forms such as your Service Members Group Life Insurance.  You may want to ensure that your loved ones have a copy of all of your important documents.  To schedule an appointment with NLSO, please call DSN 312-727-4551 or 425-304-4551.

For more information please contact our Deployment Support Personal at 425-304-3716 or our front desk at 425-304-3735/3367.